Thanks once again for the chat Jeff. Marte knew of positive test over a month ago. Why so long to suspend him and why hasn't some players been tested at all (Rizzo)?

Jeffrey Todd

2:23

Sure thing. There's a whole appeals process that has to take place. Often positive offseason tests don't turn into suspensions until the season begins.

2:24

As for other players ... not sure why you think certain guys haven't been tested. The league tests everyone randomly throughout the year. I believe it's five times per player. Rizzo just said that he hadn't yet been tested this season, I believe.

Moltar

2:25

I'm channeling my inner talk radio here but what can we do to get Donaldson to the Mets? Is it possible to do it without giving up Rosario? Is Smith++ enough?

Jeffrey Todd

2:26

Remember, though Donaldson doesn't come with a long commitment, he isn't cheap. Doesn't feel likely to me. And you can be sure the Jays will be asking for premium prospects if the time comes to consider a deal.

Kevin

2:27

Is it even possible for the Cards to get anything for Peralta or Adams?

Jeffrey Todd

2:27

Salary relief for Peralta, maybe. Something very marginal for Adams, maybe. It's possible one or the other could be moved at the deadline, I guess, but typically guys like that on teams like that aren't dealt in the middle of the season.

mike rizzo

2:29

what should I do at closer - seems in-house gamble may not be paying off

Jeffrey Todd

2:29

Bide time and see how the next guys up work out.

Andy

2:29

How do you see the A's closer situation settling? Do you think Doolittle, Madson, or Casilla will run away with the job? Or will they keep their closer by committee approach all year?

Jeffrey Todd

2:29

They seem happy with the committee and it makes sense from where I sit. Some possible Nats trade targets there, too.

Pagan

2:30

Why on earth is he sitting out a year? He won't get better with age, I think he's done if he doesn't come back this year.

Jeffrey Todd

2:31

It's not targeted at his future as a ballplayer. Not like he needs to earn money or prove he can play in the majors. If he just is more interested in being with his family, as he says, then good for him.

CPopp

2:31

Does Marte suspension increase pressure to move McCutchen?

Jeffrey Todd

2:32

Pressure? No. Likelihood? Maybe. There are some countervailing considerations, but to me the predominant one would be that no Marte = more likely to be in a selling posture at the deadline. Thus more likely to move Cutch.

Jarod

2:32

If another A's middle infielder gets injured, what do think the chances are that Barreto is the next guy called up?

Jeffrey Todd

2:32

He'll be up when he's deemed ready, not because of a need for a fill-in.

Tyler

2:33

Do you think Correa will ever live up to the A-Rod comparisons?

Jeffrey Todd

2:33

Well, there are a lot of similarities. But that's a monumental bar to clear (in terms of on-field production). ARod is one of the greatest players ever.

2:34

Like, Correa could be a clear Hall-of-Famer and still pale in comparison. So that doesn't seem like a fair expectation.

Tom

2:34

How do you feel about PED users receiving League min rest of their career?

Should a decline in velocity be taken seriously 3 starts into the season? Arrieta and Hendricks are both down and Arrieta seems to think it'll come back, but I don't know...

Jeffrey Todd

2:36

Velo stabilizes very quickly, per numbers and people who analyze them well. Doesn't mean it can't come back, but yes, it should be taken seriously.

Schwarbs mom

2:37

mistake for white sox to put such a high asking price on Quintana? He's awful so far and his market will be much worse next offseason when Darvish and Arrieta will be free agents

Jeffrey Todd

2:38

These are the risks you run. But they are well positioned to try for some upside, esp with a guy who they can simply hold onto.

Mattimeo

2:39

I know the money has to be right for a Lindor extension but is there anything else the Indians front office can do to increase his chances of staying in Cleveland?

Jeffrey Todd

2:39

Nothing beyond the usual -- keep investing in a winner and do the little things that he and other players value.

Mark

2:40

A lot of teams need bullpen and rotation help, the White sox have plenty of chips for both. Who is the most likely to be moved during the season? Also, teams have to be interested in Miguel Gonzales right? Cheap potential back of the rotation guy.

Jeffrey Todd

2:40

That's why the Sox are still so fun to watch from a transactional perspective. Already dealt their two best assets (Sale/Eaton), but still have so many pieces to move.

2:41

Gonzalez could be an innings eater for a contender. Perhaps Shields could, too. More interesting are Q, Frazier, Robertson, Jones, Melky.

phillies phan

2:42

favorite rebuilding team so far?

Jeffrey Todd

2:42

Kinda liking the Brewers' vibe. But it's all gueswork.

2:42

or guesswork

Cookie Monster

2:43

Do you see the Brewers flipping Thames for future talent?

Jeffrey Todd

2:43

Who knows what they are thinking, but it sure would be interesting to see how he'd be pursued if he keeps this up. (Let's see if he keeps it up first, though, esp as clubs build a book on him.)

Andy

2:45

Woot! I got a question answered. I feel so famous!

Jeffrey Todd

2:45

Jeff Todd, kingmaker

2:45

Anybody else wanna get famous? I have so much power.

Elvis

2:45

What/who determines when Cubans like Robert become free agents? There are potentially significant ramifications to the date Robert's date and the skeptic in me feels the forces of big-money owners playing behind the scenes to give themselves a better shot at him.